Jan. 9, 2004
With its membership now confirmed, the College's new Athletic Review Task Force will move rapidly to meet a February 10 deadline to make recommendations about the future of both our intercollegiate and recreational sports programs.
This will be a complete and thorough review of the SMC athletic operations. All of our programs will be evaluated, leading up to formulation of a five to 10-year plan for optimal use of athletic resources. Grant-in-aid allocations will be closely examined as will planning for continuous improvement.
Under College President Brother Craig Franz' direction, this review happens concurrently with the institutional accreditation process of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Brother Craig and Provost Sally Stampp have put considerable time and energy into preparing for this major effort, while re-confirming the College's resolve to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Franz' strategic plan, The Next Steps, ask various divisions and departments to animate the document by preparing program specific strategic plans that support the initiatives of the campus-wide document. The work of the Athletic Review Task Force will provide significant information relative to this task.
This challenge is daunting, but Chairman Russ Harrison from the Board of Regents and his fellow Task Force members are anxious for the deliberations to begin. Composition of the group is a definite plus with representation of Trustees, Regents, students, alumni, coaches, and College administrators. The fact that there are former and current Gael athletes on the Task Force can only enhance this important conversation. On a personal note, I eagerly look forward to taking part in this dialogue and helping to inform the Task Force in every way possible.
The timing and scope of the Task Force's mission is positive, recognizing the important role athletics fills in the educative process. Taken together, the numbers of Saint Mary's undergraduates competing in intercollegiate, club, and intramural sports are significant. Our goal is that every traditional undergraduate student will participate in at least one of the programs offered by our Athletic Department during their time at the Saint Mary's.
Through judicious management of resources and adherence to a Continuous Action Plan, we are making progress towards our key goal of being a consistently competitive member of the West Coast Conference. During the last decade, achievements of WCC members have earned national attention. We are proud to be a member of a conference where student-athletes thrive.
Performances of teams are cyclical, but the overall trend of our intercollegiate squads is towards becoming more competitive in the WCC. Cases in point -- the women's volleyball team's first ever invitation to the NCAA Tourney and the golf team's achievements this Fall.
Evaluation of where our programs are headed in the long term has to face up to budget and facilities constraints. I join with our student-athletes and coaches in sincerely thanking our donors who have helped enable our progress. Over the years, Saint Mary's athletics has tried, with significant success, to maximize the return on those investor (donor) dollars.
Budgets, endowment funds, and square footage in buildings are all measurable. But equally important to acknowledge is the dedication of Saint Mary's student-athletes and coaches. It is that intangible people factor that overcomes shortcomings and contributes mightily to our success.
Regardless of whether it's an intercollegiate game or an intramural contest I'm watching, Gael spirit is always there - on the field and in the stands. That spirit, embodied by many Christian Brothers past and present, can be a guiding light for the Athletic Review Task Force as it begins its important mission.
Go Gaels!
Carl R. Clapp
Director of Athletics
